The origins of the City of Liverpool date back to 1207, when King John issued letters patent advertising the establishment of a new borough – ‘Livpul’. Soon after, in 1235, the building of Liverpool Castle was completed. This stood on the spot where the Victoria monument now stands, on the aptly named Castle Street, and was removed in 1726.

In its early days, Liverpool consisted of just seven streets which are all still here today. These original streets are Bank Street (now Water street), Castle Street, Chapel Street, Dale Street, Juggler Street (now High Street), Moore Street (now Tithebarn Street) and Whiteacre Street (now Old Hall Street). Liverpool would remain a relatively small and unimportant city until its rise to prominence in the 18th century as part of the transatlantic trade.

Liverpool played a large role in the transatlantic slave trade which has been remebered and recorded throughout the International Slavery Museum, found today at the Royal Albert Dock. Liverpool was a major slaving port and its ships and merchants dominated the transatlantic slave trade in the second half of the 18th century. The town and its inhabitants derived great civic and personal wealth from the trade which laid foundations for the port’s future growth.

Over the years Liverpool became wealthy and a number of major buildings were constructed to reflect this. The Congregational Church (now known as The Black-E) was built in 1811 and is now recognised as a Grade II listed building. 1854 saw the construction of the Neoclassical St George’s Hall which contains concert halls, law courts and the priceless Minton tiled floor in the Great Hall that is revealed once a year and 1836 welcomed the opening of Lime Street Station.

In 1940, Liverpool suffered during WWII as a result of the Blitz, with 80 air raids devastating homes and killing over 2,700 Liverpudlians. One of the most poignant symbols of the Liverpool Blitz is the shell of St Luke’s Church.

Known locally as, ‘The Bombed Out Church’, which was hit by an incendiary bomb on 5 May 1941. The church was gutted but reminded standing strong and is a stark reminder of what the city endured during this time. The Church is now home to a wide collection of local events featuring everything from theatre performances to gigs, markets and pop up restaurants.

After the war, Liverpool struggled due to a decline in manufacturing at the Docks. During those times, music became an escape for the people of Liverpool. In 1960, Liverpool became home to one of the city’s most famous exports, The Beatles. The city became the centre of ‘The Mersey Beat’, thanks to The Cavern Club that opened in 1957.

In July 2004, Liverpool received the UNESCO World Heritage accolade after a bid centred on Liverpool as a Maritime Mercantile city, reflecting the significance of the city as a commercial port at the time of Britain’s greatest global influence.

Liverpool was awarded European Capital of Culture in 2008 and, spearheaded by the Paradise Project, has incurred incredible and unprecedented growth. The 11,000 seat arena and convention centre, the M&S Bank Arena also opened in 2008 on Liverpool’s Waterfront.

Since then, Liverpool’s offer has continued to soar. Bold Street is a hive of unique and independent businesses ‘doing it for themselves’ and The Baltic Triangle area of the city is a hub of activity, creativity and independent businesses.

In December 2015, Liverpool was honoured with a ‘City of Music’ UNESCO due to the incredible music offering we have as a city.